John Bercow on freedom of religion in UK: 'We are proud but never complacent'

Tue 19 Jun 2018

By Marcus Jones

The Speaker of the House of Commons has spoken of his pride of the UK's record on freedom of religion.

John Bercow has been speaking at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Parliament.

He opened proceedings by celebrating the event's place in the parliamentary calendar.

"Whatever the disputes, whatever the discord, whatever the turbulence inflicting parliament, our country and the wider world," he said. "I hope you will be with me when I say there is always something at least faintly reassuring and perhaps more than that about a fixed compass and the assurance of the staging of this great event."

He went on to praise both politicians and church leaders for their role in protecting our rules of freedom of religion.

"We are proud but never complacent that we in this country enjoy freedom of religion, freedom of faith, freedom of conscience.

"It is our birth right but doesn't mean it hasn't had to be fought for.

"We never take it for granted."

Prime Minister Theresa May attended the event in Parliament's Westminster Hall along with over 140 MPs and many church leaders.

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